There are many potential benefits of a collaborative law divorce. The idea of divorce may create feelings of trepidation and leave spouses feeling overwhelmed. They may be concerned about divorce related fights, acrimony and conflicts litigated in family law court. There are many stereotypes associated with the divorce process, however, there are also options available to help couples make the process as painless and amicable as possible.
Collaborative law divorce refers to a solution-oriented approach to divorce that focuses on divorcing couples working together to reach outcomes with as little hostility associated with the process as possible. Collaborative law does not involve a court room or family law court litigation and if the couple does proceed to litigate rather than settle their divorce-related disputes, the representatives for the parties must withdraw.
The collaborative law process begins with a signed contract in which both spouses agree to act in good faith and work to resolve divorce-related issues through a more peaceful and problem-solving oriented approach than through litigated disputes. The divorcing spouses also promise to be transparent and to provide accurate and complete financial information and other requested documentation. Additional resources, such as financial experts or counseling experts, may also be called in as part of the process.
While the decision to end a marriage is always a difficult one, the collaborative law divorce process can provide a more positive approach to resolving divorce-related issues. When beginning the divorce process, it is helpful for divorcing couples to consider all available options provided by the family law process and decide what is best for their family.
Source: Huffington Post, “Why Collaborative Divorce is a Route Worth Considering,” Dr. Nikki Martinez, Oct. 1, 2017